Paracentesis is a bedside procedure in which a needle is inserted into a patient's peritoneum in order to obtain ascitic fluid. This is a safe bedside procedure with very low risks of complications that is usually performed using physical exam maneuvers to determine the site of needle insertion. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) technology has improved the safety of central venous catheter insertion and thoracentesis, yet the data on safety in paracentesis is equivocal. In a practical study, we aim to determine if POCUS will change the needle insertion site over the traditional anatomic landmarking method. Operators will landmark for paracentesis using conventional physical exam and then utilize POCUS to determine if there is a more optimal site. The primary endpoint will be whether POCUS yielded a change in the needle insertion site, as defined by a location greater than 5cm from the anatomic site, at least 20% of the time. The results will further our understanding of POCUS in improving procedural safety, thereby adding to the currently limited literature on this topic. Furthermore, this study will inform residency training programs about the utility in POCUS training for paracentesis and may advocate for the availability of POCUS devices to physicians performing this procedure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
Participants will be have their needle insertion site for a paracentesis land-marked using both the traditional anatomical method, and with a point of care ultrasound. Note that the current standard of care does not require the use of point of care ultrasound.
Kingston Health Sciences Center
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Preference of land-marking method
Does the clinician performing the procedure prefer the needle insertion site found using point of care ultrasound, or using the traditional anatomic method. A clinically significant difference in location is defined as greater than or equal to 5cm apart. If the difference in locations is not at least 5cm apart, this will be defined as no preference in land-marking methods.
Time frame: Determined immediatly after the POCUS landmarking is done.
Depth of Ascitis
Depth of ascitis, measured perpendicular to the overlying skin, at the location land-marked using traditional anatomic method, versus the location found with point of care ultrasound.
Time frame: Determined immediatly after the POCUS landmarking is done.
Immediate Complications
The overall rate of any complications observed while performing the procedure. This includes bleeding, perforation/puncture of any internal organ, or a failed attempt.
Time frame: Occuring at any time between the needle insertion and removal of the paracentesis drain.
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